Global automotive (OEM) tech talent footprint

The world of Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) technology is in a constant state of flux, driven by technological advancements, evolving market dynamics, and the quest for top talent. As companies strive to stay at the forefront of innovation, the choice of tech hubs becomes crucial for success. Hashlist delves into the exciting realm of tech hiring trends and explores the transformative shifts taking place in the biggest OEM tech hubs worldwide. This blog combines the data from some of the 30 largest OEMs.

Automotive
8.6.23
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Exploring the Shifts in Global OEM Tech Hubs

OEM technology is always evolving rapidly and it is very important to stay updated with the latest trends and developments in tech hiring and what’s happening in the market. Many say a car is not a mechanical device, but 100 million lines of code on wheels.

Let's take a closer look at the shifts in the biggest OEM tech hubs and how they are shaping the industry.

Graph 1 represents the number of tech people in OEM organisations in the countries.

Hashlist studied 30 of the largest OEM tech hubs and the following are the findings:

  1. United States: The Predominant Hub

The United States, unsurprisingly, continues to hold its position, with 36,881 tech working people, as the predominant OEM tech hub. However, it's also the most expensive one.

Currently, recruitment efforts in the US have undergone a noticeable shift, with companies increasingly looking towards Canada [1.39% (refer to Graph 2)].

This transition is driven by cost advantages and the growing pool of highly skilled tech professionals in Canada.

  1. India: Rapid Growth in the Tech Landscape

India has recorded 13,480 active tech workers as a force to be reckoned with in the OEM tech sector, experiencing rapid growth.

The country's vibrant tech scene fosters innovation, creating a nurturing environment for OEM tech. Renowned Western companies such as General Motors (2.1% of total tech employees), Honda (13.9% of total tech employees), Renault (42.7% of total tech employees), Mercedes-Benz (53.7%), Volkswagen (30.6%), and Ford (13.3%) are increasingly tapping into India's talent pool, solidifying its position in the global market. 

  1. Europe: Emerging as Strong Contenders 

In Europe, Germany and Sweden have emerged as strong contenders in the OEM tech industry. These countries benefit from the substantial presence of European automobile giants like Volvo (74.9% of total tech force in Sweden), Volkswagen (30.6% of total tech force in Germany), and BMW (60.9% of total tech force in Germany).

The influence of these industry leaders has propelled Germany and Sweden forward, making them significant players in the OEM tech sector.

Note: The analysis may underreport China's actual market share as 3,549 due to data limitations. With its extensive manufacturing infrastructure and rapidly advancing technology sector, China likely wields a more substantial impact on the global OEM tech industry than reported here.

Exploring 90 Days of OEM Tech Hiring Trends

Graph 2 represents each country’s hiring growth in the last 90 days.

  1. India: Rising Share of Hires

Over the past 90 days, India has witnessed a 6.71% increase in its share of OEM tech hires relative to its total talent pool size.

Renowned Western companies, including General Motors (3.3% new hires), Honda (10% new hires), Renault (with 40.3% new hires), Mercedes-Benz (with 66.6% new hires), Volkswagen (with 13.2% new hires), and Ford (with 33% new hires) are increasingly turning to India for talent, demonstrating its significant contribution to the global talent market.

India has significantly captured a large share of OEM industry tech talent.

  1. Sweden: A Strong Presence

Sweden, boosted by the influence of Volvo, maintains a strong position in the OEM tech sector.

Sweden has increased its tech recruitment by 5.40%, and Volvo itself has hired 79.8% of new tech talent in Sweden only.

The Swedish multinational manufacturing company continues to bolster Sweden's role as a prominent player in the industry, attracting attention and investments from global players.

  1. United States: Steadily growing

Despite a slight decrease in its relative share of the OEM tech talent market, the United States remains at the top as a leader. High recruitment costs and exorbitant salaries have impacted hiring decisions, leading companies to explore alternative options.

Nevertheless, the US continues to attract top talent and drive innovation in the OEM tech space.

  1. Europe: Reliable Recruiting Grounds

European countries like Germany, Poland, France, and the UK remain reliable recruiting grounds for traditional European automakers. As a vast pool of skilled professionals, these countries are attractive destinations for OEM tech hiring.

Companies like Nissan (with 10.5% hiring growth in France), Volkswagen (with 17% hiring growth in Poland), Tesla (with 14% hiring growth in Germany), and BMW (with leading 7% hiring growth in Germany) are investing more in Europe.

The Fastest-Growing OEM Tech Hubs on the Rise

A clear trend is emerging in OEMs' investment in Brazilian tech hubs (fastest growing region), which have shown impressive growth in new hires within the past 90 days. Companies like Honda and Ford have experienced significant growth of 13.04% and 11.86%, respectively, solidifying Brazil as a promising region.

Tesla's continued investment in the Netherlands of around 9% stands out, as other OEMs.

Toyota contributes by over 50% to Turkey’s growth rate in talent hiring.

Portugal's growth rate owes much to Mercedes-Benz, which effectively attracts talent with its strong brand and business division, Mercedes Benz.io by 9.5%.

Germany attracted significant growth in tech hiring from Nio, Porsche, XPeng, Tesla and BMW with +8%, 8.5%, 10.5%, 14%, and 7% respectively.

However, due to increased geopolitical tensions, investment in Chinese tech hubs has slowed down, as companies navigate the risks associated with sanctions and trade wars.

How to stay ahead in the OEM Tech Industry

By staying informed about the shifts in OEM tech hubs and hiring trends, you can position yourself for success in this dynamic industry.

Embrace the opportunities presented by emerging regions, foster diversity and innovation, and keep a close eye on the evolving landscape to stay ahead in the global OEM tech market.

Interested in more insights on OEM tech talent trends? Reach out to Hashlist to get all-inclusive OEM hiring intelligence.